Cooling - Radiator Repair/Replacement Guidelines

File In Section: 06 - Engine/Propulsion System

Bulletin No.: 99-06-02-017

Date: October, 1999

INFORMATION

Subject:
Radiator Repair/Replacement Guidelines

Models:
2000 and Prior Passenger Cars and Trucks

If repair of an aluminum/plastic radiator is required, it is recommended that the following guidelines be followed:

For Vehicles Under Warranty

For aluminum/plastic radiators that have damage to the face of the core including bent fins, punctures, cuts, leaking tubes or header tubes, the aluminum radiator core section should be replaced with a new one. In these cases, if both of the plastic tanks are not damaged, they can be reused with the new core. If one or both of the plastic tanks are damaged along with the core, it is recommended that a complete new radiator assembly be installed.

Warranty repairs for leaks at the tank to header (gasket leaks), broken/cracked plastic tanks, cross threaded or leaking oil coolers should be repaired without replacing the complete radiator. This type of repair should be handled by the radiator repair facility in your area.

Many of these radiator repair facilities are members of the National Automotive Radiator Service Association (NARSA) who follow industry and General Motors guidelines when repairing radiators. These facilities have the special tools, tanks and pressurizing equipment needed to properly test the repaired radiator prior to returning it to the dealership. Many of these facilities receive the repair components directly from General Motors.

The sublet expense for a new radiator or the repair of the radiator under warranty should be handled following normal procedures.

For Vehicles No Longer Under Warranty

The GM released epoxy repair kit referenced in previous publications is no longer available. Repairs to the radiator, rather than replacement, is strictly at the owner's discretion.